Apartment building

EASTERN Design Office has designed the Villa Saitan collective housing in Kyoto, Japan. The site, where building is located, was once the place of NIshihachijo-palace, which was the residence of a hero of the Japanese classical tragedy, ?Tale of Heike.? That is why the architects decided to create a building symbolizing immortal tree to save memory of historical events. This unique apartment building has 3 storeys and includes 11 units. True to say it looks more like museum or creative office building than like dwelling. The original concrete facade inspired by plant ornament attracts attention. The shape of the holes, which filter the light, resembles a trunk, leaves, a root and bulbs. It also can be seen as clouds floating over the trees. The entrance is situated at the base of a tree trunk.

Designer from the company dEMM Arquitectura Paulo Fernandes da Silva presented another architectural masterpiece. Located in Porto, Portugal, this apartment building was named Living Foz. 40 apartments are situated on 7 floors, the rooms offer stunning views of the ocean, 30% of the total project area is occupied by beautiful garden - all decorated in geometric style. The unusual facade also helps create the mood inside the apartments. Thus, triangular balconies regulate the distribution of light and shadows and create charming atmosphere. The building features controlled sun exposure, the thermal inertia of the facade, the use of alternative energy and electrically efficient appliances.